8 thoughts on “Buyer’s guide for Triumph”

With the new 1215cc Tiger I think you’re right. However, I’m not sure why Triumph (or any other ADV bike maker) thinks they need to create ADV bikes that are more than ~1000cc. Except in the case where these bikes are just being used as street bikes and never see any dirt. But isn’t that what we used to call a Standard? in my humble opinion any ADV bike over 800cc is just not practical.

Of course then how would the Adventure Starbucks (WheelNerds) crowd ever impress their friends with out a 1400cc ADV bike that weighs 700 lbs, has an Emu leather seat cover, aircraft grade aluminum paniers, Ohlins electronically adjustable shocks, a built in coffee maker and a computer that tells them that they look good in their Roadcrafter Hi-Viz and gray one piece (just to boost their moral).

I think the 1050 is a very nice modern “Standard” bike. Something that has been rare in the US market since the mid ’80’s. I think there is a growing market share for bikes that aren’t buckhorn bar feet forward cruisers, laying on the tank sporters, or giant plastic incrusted tourers. I suspect many people buying what we call ADV bikes are just looking a regular “standard” bike.

I think having the Tiger 1050 cc is a good sized motor that a lot of riders still like and buy, I think the ludicrous Idea of adding a Steve McQueen replica to the all ready six bikes that have the 865cc motor in it !! the names Great the bike is Bland.

As 7acesmotolog said, if the ADV motorcycle is to be used mainly on paved roads, then a larger engine makes sense (there is no such thing as “enough torque” given the right conditions). The comfort given by the seating position (even better than the one offered by a Standard, as my old wrists can testify), the available stability and control when dealing with uneven surfaces (potholes, speed-bumps, etc.) makes the ADV a very logical choice even if one is not planning any off-road foray. Don Plummer also got it spot-on: a good ADV motorcycle is in fact an improved Standard, and given the pitiful condition of some of the paved roads in my homeland, the off-road capabilities are more than welcome. Anyway, a large motorcycle gets nasty only on very loose surfaces or too technical trails, where you would be better served by a 450 like the ones used by Dakar riders, with no or very little luggage. For the average and even for the elite adventure rider, those type of situations are seldom events, so choosing your bike for those rare instances will guarantee that you will be able to go anywhere, but your comfort, luggage capacity and available power will very likely be diminished. So, I would say that if money is not the determining factor, go for the larger bike that will allow you to feel comfortable doing the type of riding you enjoy more, which not always will be the one you do most. Many of my friends just tolerate the hours spent on highways and really enjoy the small roads, paved or unpaved, that wind through the hilly part of our Country, even if they are just a small fraction of the total amount of saddle time. For some of them, an F650GS just like the one the grrls ride, is perfect. For others, which are really large folks, weighing more than 120 Kgs, less than a R1200GS is just not acceptable, so thank God there are larger motorcycles for larger riders. So, speaking on behalf of them, if money becomes an issue, they will let the Explorer pass, but will appreciate the 1050 Tiger as a very valid option.